Understanding the Underlying Progression of Multiple Sclerosis
This program is supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Content is independently developed by CMSC.
Mark Freedman, MD, MSc, Tanuja Chitnis, MD, and Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, discuss the limitations of neurofilament light chain in identifying disease progression.
EP: 1.The Value of Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis
EP: 2.Evolving Methods of Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
EP: 3.Assays to Detect Neurofilament Light
EP: 4.Challenges and Opportunity With MRI
EP: 5.Neurofilament Light Chain and Acute Gadolinium Enhancing Lesions
EP: 6.Exploring Potential Applications of Neurofilament Light Chain in MS Prognosis and Care
EP: 7.Practical Considerations for the Use of Neurofilament Light Chain and MRI
EP: 8.How to Address Increasing Neurofilament Light Chain Levels
EP: 9.Weighing Treatment Decisions Based on Neurofilament Light Chain Levels
EP: 10.Monitoring Patients After a Change in Treatment Regimen
EP: 11.Assessing Lesion Types With MS Biomarkers
EP: 12.Neurofilament Light Chain and MS Prognosis, Treatment Effect, and Anticipation of Disease
EP: 13.The CLIMB Study
EP: 14.Reimbursement for MRI
EP: 15.Understanding the Underlying Progression of Multiple Sclerosis
EP: 16.Biomarkers, Patient Communication, and the Future of Care
EP: 17.Question and Answer about Neurofilament Light Chain and Other MS Biomarkers
In this segment, experts discuss the challenge of explaining NFL results to patients and their families. The discussion then shifts to the topic of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the potential of NFL as a biomarker for disease progression.
Tanuja Chitnis, MD, notes that NFL is not a strong biomarker for non-active progression independent of relapses. However, it is elevated in people with secondary progressive MS, particularly in cases with disease activity such as new relapses or new gadolinium-enhancing lesions. She highlights the usefulness of NFL in understanding the active forms of secondary progressive MS and its association with cognitive decline and disability worsening.
Mark Freedman, MD, MSc, asks about the possibility of other biomarkers that might complement or surpass NFL for assessing the progressive phase of MS. Tanuja Chitnis, MD, mentions GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), which is considered a marker of axonal damage and activated astrocytes. GFAP appears to be increasing in secondary progressive MS, especially in patients without inflammatory disease activity. It is emerging as a potential marker of progression independent of relapses.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive® editorial staff.
